Partner Article

North East residents unhappiest in country as household bills rise

According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), people in the North East of England are among the unhappiest people in the country. The ONS explained that this could be down to a variety of reasons including high unemployment and low gross disposable income.

Dr Joan Harvey, a chartered psychologist at Newcastle University said:

“Unemployment and its close and personal friend, insecurity about your work, are probably the reason for the low happiness rating.

“If you know the unemployment rate is higher you are going to be less satisfied with your life.

“It’s not an enthralling place to be.”

The situation for some may be made even harder, when six of the largest energy suppliers raise their gas and electricity prices at the end of the month; accounting for an increase of 36% since October 2010.

Though average earnings have risen just 4.4% in the same time period, as winter draws in, families on low incomes are going to find it increasingly difficult to heat their homes this winter.

As the price hike is unavoidable for most, it is important for those on low incomes to find ways of reducing their electricity and gas bills. Rix Petroleum have published a visual guide to finding free and low cost ways of reducing annual electricity and gas bills.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Chris Tayor .